Unlike emotional forms of child abuse, physical abuse on children is very easy to detect. The sight of a child with broken bones or bruises would surely attract condemnation from anyone of right mind. While all forms of child abuse are bad and should be discouraged, emotional abuse on children has the most negative effects. For one it doesn’t always leave easy to identify marks on the child such as broken bones or bruises. Worst of all, the scars and trauma that it leaves on the child...
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Unlike emotional forms of child abuse, physical abuse on children is very easy to detect. The sight of a child with broken bones or bruises would surely attract condemnation from anyone of right mind. While all forms of child abuse are bad and should be discouraged, emotional abuse on children has the most negative effects. For one it doesn’t always leave easy to identify marks on the child such as broken bones or bruises. Worst of all, the scars and trauma that it leaves on the child are deeper and longer lasting.

**Types of Child Abuse**

There are several forms of child abuse. Physical abuse refers to deliberate or un-deliberate harm or injury done to the child. Sexual abuse involves the using child for sexual gratification or exposing children to sexual materials and conditions. Emotional abuse involves the use of words to tear down a child emotionally and mentally. Emotional abuse could also include the failure of the abusive parent to provide an emotionally safe environment where a child feels loved and appreciated. The effects of emotional abuse can leave psychological marks that could remain for a lifetime.

**Emotional abuse of a child can be expressed in many ways.**

- Constant humiliating, shaming and belittling the child in private or public
- Negative comparisons with other children or use of derogatory names
- Use of words like “worthless,” “a mistake” and “no good” to describe the child
- Regular bullying, threatening and yelling
- Ignoring a child or giving them the silent treatment
- Depriving the child of physical contact, i.e. kisses, hugs and other forms of affection
- Exposing the child to violence abuse of others such as sibling, pet or other parent

**Warning Signs**

A child deprived of emotional love is like a plant deprived of water and sunlight. The child does not have the opportunity to develop fully emotionally and these could lead to other psychological problems. This usually leaves tell-tale signs that can be used to identify when a child is being abused emotionally. Here are some signs that can be used to identify emotionally abused children.

- Lack of self confidence
- Excessively withdrawn, shyly or overly anxious not to make a mistake
- Extreme behavior, extremely quiet or aggressive
- Lack of attachment to parent or caregiver
- Finds it hard to relate to other children
- Easily resorts to violence to solve disputes with peers

If you notice a child that is a victim of emotional abuse you can help by talking with the child. Do not start criticizing or interrogating the child or it would lead them further into their shell. Encourage the child to talk with his own words and do not make him feel he is being interrogated as this will put them unease. Assure the child that he is not at fault and that coming forward for help is the right thing to do. If you feel that the child’s safety is threatened you should take steps to get the appropriate child welfare authorities involved.
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